Nov 5, 05 : 3000 sq ft OutLeader in SF Bay
Had a great afternoon this past week aboard the TP52 "Flash" in San Francisco Bay. We were reading the same thing on the speedo and the apparent wind meter--low twelves. Not a bad showing for no mainsail or staysail up. I don't think we saw 15 kts true, all day, and a lot of 10-12 as the photos show. This kite is 3000 sq ft; about 20% larger than Flash's biggest asym.
The guys on Flash are QUICK. The helm took no more than half an hour to learn to "work" the big kite with the boat's helm--bring it up to drive the kite forward; down to drive it up. You can FEEL the power surges, in this light boat and big kite. Kudos to Will Paxton, and a huge Thanks to Mark Jones, Dick Watts and Tom Thayer.